Abu Dhabi has experienced significant growth in its tourism sector, with nearly 24 million visitors arriving in the emirate in 2023. This growth is attributed to a 27 percent increase in hotel guests, a 54 percent increase in international arrivals, and a 44 percent increase in the MICE market. Building on this success, Abu Dhabi has announced a new tourism strategy to further expand its sector by 2030, aiming to attract over 39 million visitors through improvements across four main pillars: Offering and City Activations, Promotion and Marketing, Infrastructure and Mobility, and Visa, Licensing, and Regulation.
The primary goal of Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030 is to position the emirate as a leading global tourism destination. The plan includes ambitious targets to increase visitor numbers, boost the tourism sector’s contribution to the economy, and increase the average international overnight hotel stay. This will be achieved through a structured approach with initiatives focused on improving cultural and entertainment options, extending global reach through marketing, upgrading infrastructure and mobility, and streamlining entry processes. The strategy aims to transform Abu Dhabi into a global tourism leader by 2030.
The Tourism Strategy 2030 is expected to have a significant impact on Abu Dhabi’s local economy and infrastructure development. The plan aims to generate 178,000 new jobs in the tourism sector by 2030 and increase hotel room supply to accommodate the expected rise in visitors. Infrastructure developments include refurbishing existing hotels, upgrading transportation systems, and increasing airline seat capacity. These initiatives are essential to support the anticipated increase in tourists and to improve accessibility and mobility throughout the emirate.
The strategy will enhance Abu Dhabi’s cultural offerings to attract the expected 39 million visitors by focusing on the emirate’s unique selling points, such as its rich culture, heritage, and family-friendly activities. Initiatives include expanding cultural districts, introducing new activities at leisure destinations, and upgrading facilities to include more sports and adventure activities. The strategy also supports culinary development through partnerships with culinary schools, designed to offer a diverse range of attractions and activities to visitors.
Inter-agency and private sector collaborations are critical in executing the Tourism Strategy 2030. Partnerships with global media outlets help showcase Abu Dhabi’s unique cultural and leisure offerings to attract travelers worldwide. Governmental collaborations with key stakeholders are essential to support infrastructure developments, such as upgrading transportation networks and increasing airport capacity. These collaborations are vital to accommodate the expected surge in visitors and create a welcoming regulatory environment to attract international tourists and investments.
Overall, the Tourism Strategy 2030 aims to lay the foundation for a prosperous future for Abu Dhabi by unlocking economic opportunities, amplifying the emirate’s distinctive culture, and enhancing its value proposition. Through targeted investments and strategic partnerships, Abu Dhabi aims to solidify its position as a top global travel destination, attract a diverse range of visitors, and create a sustainable tourism sector that benefits generations to come.
